CryptoLocker

The Cryptolocker malware has been getting a tremendous amount of attention recently. Cryptolocker is part of a class of malware known as ransomware. The idea behind ransomware is to encrypt the victim's files and only provide decryption capabilities if the victim pays the attacker. Ransomware is an age-old concept in malware, first appearing in the AIDS malware trojan seen in 1989. This video, by Sourcefire Chief Scientist Zulfikar Ramzan, describes the mechanics of cryptolocker and explains how it uses public-key cryptography to hold a victim's data at ransom. The private decryption key is only released to the user if they pay the equivalent of $300 USD via Bitcoin or MoneyPak.
Read the full article: http://sfi.re/1iSkRM9